Why Earn Your Cybersecurity Degree at Saint Leo University?
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in today’s dynamic job market with job growth that has exploded in just the last few years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity occupations were expected to grow by 37% from 2012 to 2022 – by far the fastest rate of any field. And this number could rise even more over the next five years if threats to our security become more widespread.
Saint Leo University is proud to offer an associate degree in cybersecurity. This degree is an undergraduate, online degree program that prepares students with knowledge and applicable skills necessary for entry-level careers in cybersecurity. In addition, it provides the broad foundational knowledge to continue on to a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and related areas for even further opportunities for career advancement.
As we rely on technology more and more each day, our lives become increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks, identity theft, and many other potential problems that were non-existent only a decade or two ago. More than ever before, it’s a must to protect any type of data – from personal identifying information like social security numbers to confidential corporate financial records. There is a dire need for skilled professionals to protect all cyber communications systems from the constant threats that exist today.
Almost every day, shocking headlines run across news sites about the latest hack or security breach. This program is essential to providing a comprehensive introduction to the world of cyber security – and why it is more critical than ever.
The Associate of Arts in Cybersecurity degree provides students with the skill set needed to be thought leaders in the field of cybersecurity.
Learning Experience:
Campus
Online
Est. Time to Complete:
2 years
Credit Hours:
60 hours
Associate Cybersecurity Program Details
During the coursework, students will be educated in the technical aspects of cyber security systems and will be prepared to assume responsibility for the operation and oversight of these systems. Learn to solve real-life problems involving the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software, network, and systems for securing information resources.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Cybersecurity students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
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What are the benefits of earning your cybersecurity degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA
Are education centers near you offering cybersecurity degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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How will you gain real experience?
Classroom learning is only part of the cybersecurity degree program at Saint Leo University. We also know the value of hands-on experience. That is why internships and research projects are built into the curriculum. Saint Leo has a strong relationship with many internship organizations across the country, including Boys & Girls Club and Head Start.
Plus, our Career Services center is always available to help connect you with a variety of other experiential learning opportunities to fit your individual career goals.
What can you do with an associate's cybersecurity degree?
Students will gain marketable skills in network defense, internet security, ethical hacking, computer forensics, and managing information security.
What are the top cybersecurity degree jobs?
| Career | Growth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Network administrator | 5% | $84,810 per year |
| Information security engineer | 33% | $103,590 per year |
| Computer systems analysts | 7% | $93,730 per year |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
College of Business
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Saint Leo University’s Center for Cybersecurity Education (CCE) is housed under the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems in the College of Business. The center strives to strengthen the undergraduate and graduate curricula of the university’s cybersecurity degree programs and create a knowledgeable and skilled workforce to supply a steady stream of cybersecurity professionals for both private and public sector roles. In addition, the center supports student and faculty with cutting-edge applied cybersecurity research.
Our academic programs include both undergraduate and graduate degrees, which are supported by a state-of-the-art cybersecurity lab, a cyberforensic lab, and two computer science labs. Graduates from our programs are equipped with knowledge and experience to pursue careers in the IT industry or advanced research degrees. Faculty and students conduct research on a wide range of topics such as cryptography, database security, information systems security, mobile security, and network security. Plus, the center serves both public and private organizations by providing training and research on current cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.
Student Stories
Academically, I majored in marketing and even with how much marketing has evolved socially/digitally since my time at Saint Leo, I use so much of what I learned every single day. My international business courses have absolutely come in handy when doing business in other territories and overseas, knowing when I have to adjust to different standards.
Joey Gandolfo, class of 2008
Saint Leo was a smaller and more intimate environment than many other institutions. That intimacy helped to reinforce the value of building relationships that has stayed with me and benefitted my career.
Davion Cooper, class of 2011
I feel a natural and symbolic connection to the core values of the college and my own Catholic values. Saint Leo really lives up to its reputation for promoting a values-based education through the core values.
Lauren Boos, class of 2019
I think the sense of community at Saint Leo, the teachers, and those working with Saint Leo in many capacities, truly prepare their graduate and undergraduate students to become teachers and administrators. I don’t know of any other university where you get that sense of community. Even with the online programs, there is that feeling of being a part of the community.
Mike Lastra, class of 2015
My experience at Saint Leo was amazing. I had the flexibility to learn from home, while at the same time, having an available teacher to help me when I became stuck or confused. The fact that I completed my degree while working full time, raising two little kids, and being a wife to my husband. The focus that I had while completing my degree, to me, is a huge accomplishment.
Retania Patterson | Online Health Care Management Program
News
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.
